Mexico Overview

The Power of a Nickel is partnering with Rivera Maya Sostenible with the purpose of maintaining a sustainable environment for the Rivera area of Mexico.

Their program offers the local people workshops, improvements in community infrastructure and advocating for sustainable activities and environmental protection.

Today the descendants of those who built the amazing archaeological zones live within the Mexican States of Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco, Quintana Roo and Yucatan as well as the Central American Countries of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. The Mayas live in small extremely poor communities keeping the same ancient life style, speaking their native language, harvesting the land the same way as their ancestors did and paying tribute to their old traditions. Some of them are bilingual as they learn Spanish to be able to communicate with the other inhabitants in the area; however, it is still possible to find communities where the visitor will not hear any other language but Maya.

Rivera Maya Sostenible coordinates the participation of individuals, local and international organizations and corporations to achieve our objective in delivering immediate and lasting improvements to the World of the Maya while preserving its uniqueness. It is with this spirit of collaboration that a medical team from Power of a Nickel serves these disenfranchised people of Mexico.

Goals

The goals of medical outreach groups to the Mayan villages are to

Build relationships with the villages

Fulfill requests by the community leadership for specific needs for individuals identified

Provide competent, appropriate medical care to an extremely underserved population

Facilitate educational opportunities for the community as requested by community leadership

Partner with local physicians and dentist to better understand the needs and culturally appropriate care of this population and to serve as educational resources to the Mexican physicians/dentists

Request referrals for other services provided by the Mexican medical system

Supply much needed medications and supplies for the community healthcare team that remain from our week long outreach teams

Offer safe learning environment for medical students, other healthcare personnel, and ancillary team members

Allow learning experiences for medical students and other healthcare students

Give intensive training of students in the art of medicine – without the use of lab, x-rays, and other technology. Students are encouraged to use their mind and hands to evaluate and treat patients

Furnish opportunities to learn about a different culture and global issues encountered